East Africa

The 2025 Global Housing Affordability Index, published by Numbeo, sheds light on a troubling reality for many African nations: a substantial disconnect between property prices and the average incomes of households. This gap underscores an urgent crisis that transcends mere statistics, affecting real lives and futures across the continent. Recent rankings show that Ethiopia and Cameroon sit near the bottom of the global affordability ladder, only surpassed by Syria and Cuba. This situation raises an inevitable…

A Transformative Agreement: China and Malawi Collaborate in Mining On June 16, 2025, a significant milestone was established during the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) held in Changsha, China. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on that day promises to reshape the economic landscape of Malawi, particularly through a large-scale titanium extraction initiative in Salima, alongside the development of a cutting-edge mineral processing facility. This venture is more than just another deal; it’s a…

A collective cry of anguish reverberates through communities across Kenya as a group of devout Muslims recount their harrowing experience with an Imam identified as Ustadh Omar Athman. Allegations of fraud loom large, centered around a botched pilgrimage arrangement for Hajj and Umrah, tarnishing what should have been a transformative journey to the sacred cities of Mecca and Madinah. These victims, hailing from various regions of Kenya, have shared stories laced with emotional distress and financial ruin. Many placed…

The results of the 2024 Electricity Regulatory Index (ERI) are more than just numbers and analytics; they illustrate genuine progress. The latest report highlights the adoption and implementation of laws and policies by various African nations, leading to the growth of robust, independent regulatory institutions. Is this transformation merely incremental, or is it a paradigm shift? Since its inception in 2018, the ERI has emerged as a vital diagnostic tool. Designed to support governments, regulators, and…

In the vast world of aviation, long-haul giants like Emirates and Qatar Airways often steal the limelight with their luxurious offerings and extensive global networks. However, it's the regional airlines that quietly but effectively knit together the fabric of continents. This is particularly true in Africa, where local carriers play an essential role in connecting not just major urban centers, but also remote villages and burgeoning economic hotspots. The significance of these regional players cannot be overstated;…

On a somber day in January 2019, a woman was joyously reunited with her family after a harrowing evacuation from the DusitD2 complex in Nairobi, which had been turned into a war zone. The images of her embrace, filled with relief and sorrow, painted a poignant picture of resilience amid chaos. That day, 21 lives would tragically be cut short during a brutal attack masterminded by the militant group al-Shabab, freezing an otherwise lively locale in time. Recently, justice has found its way, albeit a few years later, as a…

East Africa Fashion Life Show 2025: A Celebration of Culture, Collaboration, and Creativity On June 20, 2025, the vibrant city of Nairobi, Kenya, buzzed with excitement as the much-anticipated second edition of the East Africa Fashion Life Show commenced. This remarkable event, which took place from Thursday to Saturday, attracted over 70 exhibitors hailing from both Kenya and China. It was a vivid showcase of entrepreneurial spirit, diverse cultural expressions, and the ever-evolving fashion landscape in East Africa. As…

In a notable development for the African continent, Aliko Dangote, the billionaire businessman and founder of the Dangote Group, recently announced plans to expand operations into Namibia. This announcement came shortly after the completion of what is now the world’s largest oil refinery. During a high-profile meeting with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in Windhoek, Dangote articulated his fervent vision for Africa's future—one where local entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in the continent's development. The…

In a troubling development that raises serious humanitarian concerns, at least 37 Ethiopian men currently face the death penalty in Saudi Arabia for drug-related offenses. This alarming situation has been spotlighted in a joint statement released by a coalition of 31 civil society and human rights organizations. They have expressed trepidation over what they describe as an “imminent risk” of execution for countless foreign nationals within the Kingdom. On June 17, 2025, the organizations declared they are “gravely fearful…

Recent developments in international diplomacy have raised eyebrows and ignited discussions across the globe. Former President Donald Trump recently took to social media to announce a significant peace treaty between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda. This agreement, facilitated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is set to be officially signed in Washington on Monday by representatives from both nations. "I am very happy to report that, along with Secretary of State Marco…